With the Olympics kicking off in Paris this summer it’s certainly going to be the most ‘trending’ European city in the eyes of teens around the world. From watching the games to seeing photos and news, Paris will be on everyone’s minds. Paris is always a great spot to visit with teens: it’s a good place to find a balance between history and culture and trendy and hip things teens love.
Where to Stay in Paris with Teens
1. 7th Arrondissement
We have stayed in two different neighborhoods in Paris with teens – they were very different but both really cool. The first is the 7th arrondissement. This is where the Eiffel Tower is and what’s more “Paris” than the Eiffel Tower?! We stayed at The Square de la Tour Residence. This property was the perfect layout for traveling with teens and the highlight: they could see the Eiffel Tower sparkle each hour from the living room window!
This neighborhood was perfect with teens because we could enjoy being near the Eiffel Tower and also loved Rue Cler. It’s a perfect place to let teens stroll around a bit, with great cafes and of course their favorite gelato; Amorino’s flower shaped gelato cones!
Featured Property: The Square de la Tour Residence.
2. The 13th Arrondissement
In the 13th Arrondissement, we stayed at the Rue des Frigos Residence. This neighborhood is really hip and has one of my teen’s favorite spots to eat – La Felicita – which is the coolest food hall/ food court we have ever seen.
It’s a totally different area of the city but it’s near a major Metro hub so it’s easy to jet out to different places. We could grab a Starbucks (much to my dismay) and hop on the Metro and be anywhere in the city super fast. You can also take the Metro from there to The Versailles Palace.
Featured Property: The Rue des Frigos Residence
The Best Things to Do in Paris with Teens
1. Make Your Own Fragrance
One of the highlights of our Paris trip for my teens was making their own fragrance at Le Musee du Parfum. It includes a brief history of French fragrance, tour of the small museum and then you make and take home your own fragrance. Book in advance.
2. Visit PSG Stadium
If you are really lucky there might be a PSG game while in Paris and really WOW your teen, but either way definitely take them to the PSG Stadium Tour. It’s a “go at your own pace” tour and you can explore the stadium, locker rooms, press areas etc. It’s such a cool experience.
3. Visit the Louvre
You can’t take your teen to Paris without seeing the Mona Lisa. While it’s crowded and overwhelming, my teens enjoyed the thrill of finding Mona Lisa and trying to snap a photo. I would recommend booking tickets in advance and if you’d like to see more of the museum than the Mona Lisa, a guide would be great for this.
4. Explore Montmartre with a Guide
Speaking of a guide, I would highly recommend Zoe Petit for a day in Montmartre. She is a pro and does such a great job of tailoring the tour for children or in this case teens. Montmartre was my teens favorite part of the city and a full day there is recommended. In addition to joining you and being your guide, Zoe also does have a printable guide you can buy and do on your own.
5. Fun in the Tuileries
Teens love the Tuileries Gardens. There are great little spots to eat, food carts for lemonade or gelato and a little hidden area of trampolines to enjoy. In the summertime there’s also a carnival with some really awesome rides in the Tuileries.
6. Vintage Sidecar Tour
Are your teens adventurous? Here’s a cool way to let them see the sights or Paris: riding in a vintage sidecar. You’ll get to see lots of the city as you speed around the streets. For this activity i’d recommend using Txango Vintage Sidecars.
7. Macaron Making Class
Galleries Lafayette is a great spot to bring teens. It’s the most beautiful department store and at the top you’ll have some of the best views of the city. You can also sign up in advance for a French Macaron Baking Class.
4-Day Teen-Friendly Paris Itinerary
Day 1
- Vintage sidecar adventure
- Take a river cruise
- Visit the Eiffel Tower and go to the top
- Dinner at La Fontaine de Mars
- See the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night
Day 2
- PSG Stadium Tour
- Visit the “Fancy Starbucks” on Boulevard des Capucines.
- Perfume making class
- Galleries Lafayette: eat lunch at the food court, shop, see the views at the top and take a macaron making class
- Walk Champs-Elysees to Arc de triomphe
Day 3
- A day exploring Montmatre
- Moulin Rouge
- Love Wall
- Add a lock to the bridge
- See the artists
- Visit Sacré-Cœur and go to the top
Day 4
- A morning visit to Palace of Versailles
- Return in the afternoon and visit the Louvre
- Enjoy Tuileries gardens and the Fun Fair of the Tuileries.
- Street food for dinner
Book Your Memorable Family Vacation in Paris
Explore a guide to the best neighborhoods, or arrondissements, in Paris or discover all our family-friendly vacation rentals in Paris for your next visit to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paris has a mix of history and culture, with lots going on, a busy vibe and lots to do for teens and tweens.
Tailor your trip to their interests: from food to fashion or football, there’s something for every teen in Paris!
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-6th-arrondissement/the-rue-du-dragon-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/le-marais/the-saint-sebastien-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-6th-arrondissement/the-rue-de-sevres-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/montmartre/the-rue-simart-residence